Dunbar Hotel renovation

Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times

The Dunbar Hotel was the hub of African American culture in Los Angeles in the decades around World War II, and many of the great black performers of the era appeared onstage there and at other nightclubs nearby.

The Dunbar Hotel was the hub of African American culture in Los Angeles in the decades around World War II, and many of the great black performers of the era appeared onstage there and at other nightclubs nearby. (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times)

The Dunbar Hotel, built in 1928 by John Somerville to serve African Americans seeking accommodations on their visits to Los Angeles, will reopen as housing for seniors.

The Dunbar Hotel, built in 1928 by John Somerville to serve African Americans seeking accommodations on their visits to Los Angeles, will reopen as housing for seniors. (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times)

A $14-million project is underway to renovate the hotel and two adjacent apartment buildings on Central Avenue in Los Angeles to be part of an 83-unit residential and retail project called Dunbar Village.